Information input device, information input method, information input control program, and electronic device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an information input device, in which information is inputted by easy operations, even if a display unit size is limited. An information input device of the present invention has: a display unit displaying a plurality of figures; a detecting unit arranged in front of the display unit or behind the display unit, and detecting whether a physical contact from an outside exists or not and a contacted position at which the physical contact exists; and a control unit deciding a figure displayed on the display unit and a position at which the figure is displayed, and inputting information based on a signal from the detecting unit, and when the detecting unit detects the physical contact exists, the control unit determines a first figure displayed at a nearest position to the contacted position in the plurality of figures based on the contacted position and decides a second figure displayed at a position surrounding the contacted position based on a kind of the first figure.

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/144,986, filed on May 3, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/764,211,filed on Feb. 11, 2013, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,348,503, whichis a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/738,872, filed on Jun. 22, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,354,802, which is a National Stage Entry of international applicationPCT/JP2009/050406, filed on Jan. 7, 2009, which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2008-003393 filed on Jan. 10, 2008, thedisclosure of all of which are incorporated in their entirely byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information input device, aninformation input method, an information input control program, andelectronic device, and particularly, to an information input device, aninformation input method, an information input control program, andelectronic device, in which information is inputted through a contact orthe like with a given detecting unit.

BACKGROUND ART

All characters are generally displayed on the same touch panel, inelectric device having a character input function using a touch panel.For example, in an alphabet, all twenty-six characters thereof aredisplayed on the same touch panel, and in “kana characters (hiragana)”which are Japanese characters, all forty-six characters thereof aredisplayed on the same touch panel. The touch panel has both a functionas a display displaying characters and a function as a touch sensordetecting contact.

In mobile electronic device, like a mobile phone and a PDA (PersonalData Assistance), a character display unit and a character input unitare limited in size, due to the nature of the mobile electronic device.It is, therefore, difficult to secure an area on which many charactersare displayed and on which a character to be inputted can be selected inthe characters. For example, if the display and the touch panel forcharacter input are arranged together, both of the display and the touchpanel are limited in size. Therefore, it is difficult to secure the areaon which many characters to be inputted are displayed.

Before an input technology of Japanese kana characters is described, atypical example of a method for dividing all the forty-six kanacharacters into some groups is described. FIG. 27 illustrates a “kanasyllabary” in which Japanese kana characters are arranged in a tableformat. In the kana syllabary shown in FIG. 27, all the kana charactersare described using a combination of alphabetical characters, that is,“the Roman alphabet,” so that an arrangement thereof are easilyrecognized. “Columns” of “

(hereinafter referred to as “a”)-column” to “

(hereinafter referred to as “wa”)-column” mean groups in which forty-sixkana characters are grouped according to presence or absence of aconsonant and characters having a common consonant. In the kanasyllabary shown in FIG. 27, the “column” is illustrated aslongitudinally aligned characters. A total of ten “columns” exist, andeach of the ten “columns” has a specific name, that is, “a (

)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “ka”)-column,” . . . “wa (

)-column” and the like. Characters belonging to the “a (

)-column” include no consonant, but only a vowel. Characters belongingto “ka (

)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “sa”)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “ta”)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “na”)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “ha”)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “ma”)-column,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “ya”)-column,” and “

(hereinafter referred to as “ra”)-column” include consonants, “k,” “s,”“t,” “n,” “h,” “m,” “y,” and “r,” respectively, but the “wa (

)-column” includes three characters “wa (

),” “

(hereinafter referred to as “wo”),” and “

(hereinafter referred to as “n”)” other than characters belonging to thenine “columns” above described. Neither “wo (

)” nor “n (

)” include a consonant, but the “wa (

)” and “n (

),” however, are included in the “wa (

)”-column for convenience. “Rows” in “a (

)-row,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “i”)-row,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “u”)-row,” “

(hereinafter referred to as “e”)-row,” and “

(hereinafter referred to as “o”)-row” mean groups in which forty-sixkana characters are grouped according to characters having a commonvowel. In the kana syllabary shown in FIG. 27, each of the “rows” isillustrated as transversely aligned characters. Vowels which the “a (

)-row,” the “i (

)-row,” the “u (

)-row,” the “e (

)-row,” and the “o (

)-row” include, are “a (

),” “i (

),” “u (

),” “e (

)” and “o (

),” respectively. In the “wa (

)-column,” “wa (

)” is assigned to a character of the “a (

)-row,” “wo (

)” is assigned to a character of the “o (

)-row,” and “n (

)” is regarded as an exception. As mentioned above, a part of a methodfor dividing into the “column” and “row” includes an exception. However,since the method for dividing into the “column” and “row” is notessential for the essence of the present invention, the exception can beneglected. Additionally, the method for dividing into the “column” and“row” described above is one of examples thereof.

As a way of coping with a problem of displaying many characters forselection, above-mentioned, a method is known, in which many charactersare classified into a plurality of groups, and only character typifyingeach of the groups is displayed on the display. For example, with regardto a method for classifying Japanese kana characters, a method forclassifying them into ten “columns” is commonly practiced. A characterof “a (

)-row,” which is a character typifying the “column,” is displayed on thedisplay. For example, “a (

)” is displayed on an input unit for inputting “a (

)-column.” Characters to be inputted change, like “a (

)”→“i (

)”→“u (

)”→“e (

)”→“o (

),” when the input unit on which “a (

)” is displayed is repeatedly pushed down. The method above mentioned isused when a common keyboard besides the touch panel is used.

A method for inputting a character selected from many charactersincludes a method other than a method for changing, in order, acharacter to be inputted as above described. That is, when a key of “a (

)” is pushed down once, “a (

),” “i (

),” “u (

),” “e (

)” and “o (

),” which are other characters in the “a (

)-row,” are displayed on a display unit as candidates to be selected. Acharacter to be inputted is determined in the nominated characters forselection by a second selecting operation.

In a technology related to the information input device above-described,a kana character input device is known, which is described in JapanesePatent Application Laid-open No. 2000-112636 (hereinafter, referred toas “Patent document 1”). In the kana character input device, a pluralityof characters are allocated to each of a plurality of keys of a touchpanel or a keyboard. According to a selecting operation using the keys,and longitudinal and transverse moving directions of an operation pointor an operation force after selection, one kana character is selected.Concretely, five kana characters are ordered and corresponded to each ofthe keys, and one kana character is selected among the five kanacharacters according to operated or pushed key and the direction of theoperation or pushing down. In the kana character input device of Patentdocument 1, since five characters are allocated to one key, the numberof keys for inputting characters is decreased significantly. Therefore,an area of the touch panel or the keyboard can be reduced, withoutreducing the size of the key. It is easy for a user to acquire a methodfor inputting characters, since the user can acquire an input operationby associating forty-six kana characters with groups to which fivecharacters thereof are distributed.

A character input device described in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2006-178755 (Patent document 2) uses a method similar tothe method for inputting kana characters of Patent document 1. In thecharacter input device of Patent document 2, a kana character and asymbol are inputted by using keys for character input to whichcharacters from “a (

)-column” to “wa (

)-column” are allocated and keys for symbol input. A contact detecting apush from a front face and contacts detecting a push from an upper side,a lower side, a left side and a right side are included in each key.Signals which correspond to five characters, that is, a character of “a(

)-row” inputted from the front face and characters of “i (

)-row,” “u (

)-row,” “e (

)-row,” and “o (

)-row” which are inputted from four directions, that is, from the upperside, the lower side, the left side, and the right side, are outputtedfrom each of the keys.

In a character input device described in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2003-157144 (Patent document 3), a hiragana input screenis displayed on a display unit. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) detectsa contact state of a stylus pen on a display face of the display unitthrough a touch panel and a touch panel driver, and inputs a characterbased on the detection result. When the stylus pen makes contact, at apoint, with a predetermined area on the touch panel facing a hiraganainput key of the hiragana input screen, the CPU inputs a character whichis allocated to the hiragana input key. When the stylus pen moves whilemaking contact with the predetermined area on the touch panel facing thehiragana input key, the CPU inputs a different character according to amoving direction. Since a quite easy selection operation of the hiraganainput key is carried out by the method mentioned above, many characterscan be easily inputted.

In a kana input method using a liquid crystal touch panel described inJapanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-222053 (Patent document4), a group of characters for selection of characters to be inputted issuperimposed on a screen of the liquid crystal touch panel. Initially, acharacter string, “a (

)” “ka (

),” “sa (

),” “ta (

),” “na (

),” “ha (

),” “ma (

)” “ya (

),” “ra (

),” and “wa (

),” consisting of characters in “a (

)-row” of each “column” are transversely displayed in line. When a touchinput on one character in the character string occurs, a characterstring, other than the “a (

)-row,” of the “column” including the character at which the touch inputoccur, are longitudinally superimposed in line under the key on whichthe touch input is occurred. In this state, when a touch input on onecharacter in the “column” longitudinally arranged in line occurs, thecharacter is inputted.

In a character input method described in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2005-92441 (Patent document 5), ten characters in “a (

)-row” of each column are displayed on a screen which is lotted on atouch panel. When a character is touched, characters in the “column”including the touched character are superimposed in line transversely orlongitudinally. When a character to be inputted in the charactersdisplayed in line is touched, the touched character is inputted.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, above described arts have the following problems. The method,in which an inputted character is switched by pushing a touch panel, hasa problem that a key has to be pushed down many times when a characterwhich a user intends to input is displayed. Even if all kana charactersare displayed, it is difficult to quickly search a character which auser wants to input, since the number of the characters is large. In acharacter input using the key, when a character which a user intends toinput is displayed, the key needs to be pushed down many times.

In the kana character input device described in Patent document 1, onecharacter is selected according to the moving directions of a keyoperation force from front to back and from side to side. Therefore,each key needs a structure for detecting the moving directions, and astructure of the key become complicated. The kana character input devicedescribed in Patent document 1 has problems such as increase of keyweight, increase of key thickness, increase of manufacturing cost andthe like.

In the character input device described in Patent document 2, since itis necessary that directions in which each key is pushed down aredetected, a structure of the key becomes complicated. Therefore, thecharacter input device described in Patent document 2 has the sameproblems as Patent document 1.

In the character input device described in Patent document 3, acharacter to be inputted are selected according to a moving direction ofa touched part on the touch panel. A user, therefore, has to memorizethe correspondence relation between the moving direction and a characterto be inputted. A character to be selected according to the movingdirection may be displayed on the touch panel. For this purpose, thereis a method for extending an area of the touch panel, for example. Inthis case, however, there are problems such as increase of a size of thetouch panel and increase of manufacturing cost. Meanwhile, there is amethod for reducing a size of a character to be displayed on the touchpanel. In this case, a problem occurs, in which visibility gets worse.

In a kana input method described in Patent document 4, initially, agroup of characters to be selected for input is transversely displayedin line, and, next, it is longitudinally displayed in line. A user hasto move a contact spot on the touch panel in two stages, that is, in atransverse direction and in a longitudinal direction, until onecharacter is selected finally. Therefore, there is a problem that auser's operation is troublesome. Further, there is another problem thatwhen a user selects a character displayed at the end part of the line, adistance over which the user moves the contact spot becomes long.

In a character input method Patent document 5, when a charactertypifying a “column” is initially selected, next, all characters of the“column” are, in line, displayed transversely or longitudinally.Therefore, when a character displayed at the end part of the line isselected, a problem occurs, in which a distance over which a user movesthe contact spot becomes long. Further, selecting a character incharacters displayed in line, a user can obliquely move the contact spotby mistake. In this case, it is determined that contact with the touchpanel disappears during movement of the contact spot, and a characterother than a character a user intends to input may be inputted.

The invention is achieved in consideration of the problems of therelated art mentioned above, and the purpose of the invention is toprovide an information input device, an information input method, aninformation input control program, and electronic device, in whichinformation is inputted by easy operations, even if a display unit sizeis limited, like a mobile device, such as a mobile phone and the like.

An information input device of the present invention has: a display unitdisplaying a plurality of figures; a detecting unit arranged in front ofthe display unit or behind the display unit, and detecting whether aphysical contact from an outside exists or not and a contacted positionat which the physical contact exists; and a control unit deciding afigure displayed on the display unit and a position at which the figureis displayed, and inputting information based on a signal from thedetecting unit, and when the detecting unit detects the physical contactexists, the control unit determines a first figure displayed at anearest position to the contacted position in the plurality of figuresbased on the contacted position and decides a second figure displayed ata position surrounding the contacted position based on a kind of thefirst figure.

An information input method of the present invention has: deciding afigure to be displayed and a position at which the figure is displayed;displaying a plurality of the figures; detecting whether a physicalcontact from an outside exists or not and a contacted position at whichthe physical contact exists; determining a first figure displayed at aposition nearest to the contacted position in the plurality of figuresbased on the contacted position, when existence of the physical contactis detected; deciding a second figure displayed at a positionsurrounding the contacted position based on a kind of the first figure;and inputting information based on the contacted position.

The information input device and the information input method of theinvention have an advantage that information is readily inputted byselecting a desired figure in a plurality of figures using an easyoperation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of electronicdevice of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart illustrating operations of the electronicdevice of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are plain views illustrating change of displayedcontents which occurs when a touch panel of the electronic device of thefirst embodiment of the invention is pushed down.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are plain views illustrating change of displayedcontents which occurs when the touch panel of the electronic device ofthe first embodiment of the invention is pushed down.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are plain views illustrating change of displayedcontents which occurs when the touch panel of the electronic device ofthe first embodiment of the invention is pushed down.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are plain views illustrating change of displayedcontents which occurs when the touch panel of the electronic device ofthe first embodiment of the invention is pushed down.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are plain views illustrating examples ofmodifications of configurations of character input boxes.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are plain views illustrating examples ofmodifications of configurations of the character input boxes.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are plain views illustrating examples ofmodifications of configurations of the character input boxes.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are plain views illustrating examples of displays inwhich kana characters and numbers are displayed in the character inputboxes.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are plain views illustrating examples of displays inwhich kana characters and numbers are displayed in the character inputboxes.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of aninformation input device of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, and 13E are plain views illustrating examplesof displays in which a kana character, a symbol, and a character stringare displayed on a display area of the second embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are plain views illustrating modifiedexamples of display states around nominated characters of the secondembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E are plain views illustrating examplesof displays of nominated character displaying block of the secondembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of aninformation input device with a CPU of the second embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a program which the CPU of the informationinput device of the second embodiment of the invention executes.

FIG. 18 is an example of a modification of the flowchart of the programwhich the CPU of the information input device of the second embodimentof the invention executes.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of electronicdevice having the information input device of the second embodiment ofthe invention.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are plain views illustrating examples ofdisplayed contents of a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a program which the CPU of the informationinput device of the third embodiment of the invention executes.

FIG. 22 is an example of a modification of the flowchart of the programwhich the CPU of the information input device of the third embodiment ofthe invention executes.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C are plain views illustrating examples ofdisplayed contents of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a plain view illustrating another example of displayedcontents of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C are plain views illustrating examples ofdisplayed contents of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, and 26E are plain views illustrating otherexamples of displayed contents of the fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is “kana syllabary” in which Japanese kana characters arearranged in a tabular form.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of electronicdevice of a first embodiment of the invention. The electronic deviceincludes a mobile phone device, for example. The electronic deviceincludes a display unit 10, a processing device 20, and a characterdatabase 30, as shown in FIG. 1. The display unit 10 is composed of aliquid crystal display or the like, for example, and includes a functionas a touch panel 11 for character input. The touch panel 11 is separatedinto a predetermined number of character input boxes according to aninput box setting signal fa of the processing device 20. The displayunit 10 allocates each character of “a (

)-row” in kana characters (“a (

),” “ka (

),” “sa (

),” “ta (

),” “na (

),” “ha (

),” “ma (

)” “ya (

),” “ra (

),” “wa (

)”) into each of the character input boxes described above, and displaysthem. When any one of the character input boxes described above ispushed, the touch panel 11 outputs position information da correspondingto a position of the character input box which is pushed. Further, whenan operation for updating the character database 30 is performed, thetouch panel 11 outputs a database updating signal cd.

The processing device 20 includes a CPU 20 a as a computer controlling awhole of the electronic device, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20 b inwhich an information input control program causing the CPU 20 a tooperate is stored. In the embodiment, the processing device 20 allocateseach character of “a (

)-row” in forty-six kana characters into each character input box anddisplays them, by outputting the input box setting signal fa to thetouch panel 11. When any one of the character input boxes on which eachof the characters in “a (

)-row” is displayed is pushed down, the processing device 20 displaysother characters in the “column” in which a character displayed in thepushed character input box is included, in character input boxesadjacent to the pushed character input box, based on the positioninformation da outputted from the touch panel 11. Display of thecharacters in the adjacent character input boxes is carried out, despitewhether or not characters are already displayed in the character inputboxes. When a character input box is pushed down and then the push isreleased, the processing device 20 decides, as an inputted character, acharacter displayed in the character input box which is pushed down justbefore the release.

The processing device 20 displays a predetermined character in thecharacter input box adjacent to the pushed character input box. Arelative position relation between the character displayed in the pushedcharacter input box and the character displayed in the character inputbox adjacent thereto (hereinafter, referred to as “relative displayposition”) is fixed according to a kind of the vowel which eachcharacter includes. For example, a character in “i (

)-row” having a vowel “i” is fixed on the lower side of the pushedcharacter input box, a character in “u (

)-row” having a vowel “u” is fixed on the left side thereof, a characterin “e (

)-row” having a vowel “e” is fixed on the upper side thereof, and acharacter in “o (

)”-row having a vowel “o” is fixed on the right side thereof. Therelative display position is set in advance, and is stored in thecharacter database 30.

The character input boxes adjacent to the pushed character input box maybe located not only adjacent to the upper side, the lower side, the leftside, and the right side of the pushed character input box as describedabove, but also adjacent to the upper left side, the lower left side,the upper right side, and the lower right side thereof. The processingdevice 20 includes a position relation setting unit 21. The positionrelation setting unit 21 transmits a position relation setting signal ceto the character database 30 and optionally sets the relative displayposition, based on the database updating signal cd outputted from thetouch panel 11.

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart illustrating operations of the electronicdevice shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C,FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, and FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are plain viewsillustrating change of displayed contents on the display unit whichoccurs when the touch panel 11 shown in FIG. 1 is pushed down. Referringto the drawings, contents of processing of the information input methodused in the electronic device of the first embodiment are described.

In the electronic device of the embodiment, each character in “a (

)-row” of kana characters is allocated into each character input boxwhich is set in advance, and is displayed. When any one of the characterinput boxes in which each character in the “a (

)-row” is displayed is pushed down, other characters in the “column” towhich the character displayed in the pushed character input box belongsare displayed in the character input boxes adjacent to the pushedcharacter input box. Displaying characters in the adjacent characterinput boxes is not influenced by whether or not characters are alreadydisplayed in the adjacent character input boxes. As shown in FIG. 3B,for example, no character has been displayed in the character input boxin which “u (

)” is displayed when the character input box of “a (

)” is pushed down, before “u (

)” is displayed. In the character input boxes in which “i (

)” and “o (

)” are displayed, “ta (

)” and “ka (

)” are already displayed before then, respectively. When a characterinput box is pushed down and then released, the character displayed inthe character input box, which is pushed down just before the release,is determined as an inputted character.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, operations of the electronic device of theembodiment are described. When a user performs an operation using afunction, e.g. mail creation, which requires character input, theprocessing device is started up (step A1). The processing device 20outputs the input box setting signal fa to the touch panel 11 and setsthe character input box (step A2). In the touch panel 11, as shown inFIG. 3A, the character input box is displayed. In each character inputbox which is set in advance, each character in “a (

)-row” is allocated and displayed (step A3). In this condition, when acharacter input box, in which “a (

)” is displayed, is pushed down, for example (step A4), a position ofthe pushed character input box is detected, and the position informationda is transmitted to the processing device 20 (step A5).

The processing device 20 inquires of the character database 30 based onthe position information da (step A6) and reads out a relative displayposition of a character (step A7). The processing device 20 transmitsthe character information cn corresponding to the relative displayposition to the touch panel 1 (step A8). A character corresponding tothe character information cn is displayed in the touch panel 1 (stepA9). In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, regarding the character (“a (

)”) displayed in the character input box which is pushed down, forexample, in each of character input boxes adjacent to the lower side,the left side, the upper side, and the right side of the character inputbox of “a (

),” characters of “a (

)-column” other than “a (

)” (“i (

),” “u (

),” “e (

)” and “o (

)”) are displayed, respectively. As mentioned above, the relativedisplay position of each character is set in advance according to a kindof the vowel which each character includes, and is stored in thecharacter database 30.

Next, when a user releases pushing the character input box in thedisplay state (step A10), “a (

)” is decided as an inputted character (step A11). When a user shiftsthe character input box, which is currently pushed, to another characterinput box, without releasing a push of the character input box (when thestep A10 is not carried out), the processing device 20 operates asmentioned below. For example, a user pushes down the character input boxin which “o (

)” is displayed without releasing the character input box in which “a (

)” is displayed (step A12). When a user shifts the character input boxto be pushed down to the character input box of the character “o (

),” initially a push of the character input box of “a (

)” is released, and secondly a push of the character input box of “o (

)” is released (step A13). Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, “o (

)” is decided as an inputted character (step A14). As described above, acharacter displayed in a character input box which is finally pusheddown is decided as an inputted character.

Next, a method for deciding an inputted character, which is carried outwhen a character input box in which “sa (

)” is displayed is pushed down, is described. When the character inputbox in which “sa (

)” is displayed is pushed down, as shown in FIG. 4B, in each ofcharacter input boxes adjacent to the lower side, the left side, theupper side, and the right side of the character input box of “sa (

),” characters of “sa (

)-column” other than “sa (

)” (“

(hereinafter referred to as “si”),” “

(hereinafter referred to as “su”),” “

(hereinafter referred to as “se”)” and “

(hereinafter referred to as “so”)”) are displayed, respectively. Therelative display position of each character is set in advance accordingto a kind of the vowel which each character includes. The relativedisplay position in FIG. 4B is in a condition similar to FIG. 3B. Inthis condition, when a user releases pushing the character input box,“sa (

)” is decided as an inputted character. When a user pushes down thecharacter input box in which, for example, “si (

)” is displayed without releasing a push, and releases pushing thecharacter input box of “si (

)” after releasing pushing the character input box of “sa (

),” “si (

)” is decided as an inputted character, as shown in FIG. 4C.

A method for deciding an inputted character which is carried out whenthe character input box in which “wa (

)” is displayed is pushed down is the same as the above mentioned. Thatis, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the character input box in which “wa (

)” is displayed is pushed down, in each of character input boxesadjacent to the right side and the left side of the character input boxof “wa (

),” characters belonging to “wa (

)-column” (“wo (

)” and “n (

)”) are displayed. The relative display position is set in advance, andstored in the character database 30. When pushing the character inputbox of “wa (

)” is released in this condition, “wa (

)” is decided as an inputted character. When the character input box inwhich “wo (

)” is displayed is pushed down without releasing pushing the characterinput box of “wa (

),” and pushing the character input box of “wo (

)” is released after releasing pushing the character input box of “wa (

),” “wo (

)” is decided as an inputted character, as shown in FIG. 5C.

Next, updating the character database 30 is described. When an operationon the touch panel 11 updating the character database 30 is performed(step B1), the database updating signal cd is outputted from the touchpanel 11 to the position relation setting unit 21. By the positionrelation setting unit 21, the position relation setting signal ce isoutputted to the character database 30, and relative display positionsfor each character stored are set. The set contents can be decidedoptionally by a user. For example, the relative display positions may beset as shown in FIG. 6B. In this case, regarding the character “a (

)” which is displayed in the character input box pushed down, “i (

),” “u (

),” “e (

)” and “o (

)” are displayed in each of character input boxes adjacent to the leftside, the lower left side, lower side, and lower right side of thecharacter input box of “a (

),” respectively. In this condition, when a user releases pushing thecharacter input box of “a (

),” “a (

)” is decided as an inputted character. When a user pushes down thecharacter input box in which, for example, “o (

)” is displayed without releasing pushing the character input box of “a(

),” and releases pushing the character input box of “o (

)” after releasing pushing the character input box of “a (

),” “o (

)” is decided as an inputted character, as shown in FIG. 6C. Asmentioned above, the method for deciding an inputted character does notdepend on the relative display position.

In FIGS. 3B and 3C, FIGS. 4B and 4C, FIGS. 5B and 5C, and FIGS. 6B and6C, when a character is displayed in a character input box adjacent to apushed character input box, no display other than that of the characterin the character input box adjacent thereto is performed. However, thedisplay other than that of the character in the character input boxadjacent thereto may maintain contents which are displayed before theinput box is pushed down.

As mentioned above, in the first embodiment, each of characters in “a (

)-row” is allocated in each character input box which is set in advance,and is displayed. When any one of character input boxes, in which thecharacters in the “a (

)-row” are displayed, is pushed down, other characters of the “column”in which a character displayed in the pushed character input box isincluded are displayed in character input boxes adjacent to the pushedcharacter input box. Then, in spite of whether or not a character isalready displayed in character input boxes adjacent to the pushedcharacter input box, a character is displayed in the character inputboxes adjacent thereto. Further, when a character input box is pusheddown and then the push is released, a character displayed in thecharacter input box, which is pushed down just before the release, isdecided as an inputted character. Therefore, input of forty-six kanacharacters can be correctly and readily performed by using only smallarea consisting of character input boxes with six rows and five columns.Furthermore, when one character is inputted, it is not necessary thatthe same character input box is pushed down more than once. Therefore,time for character input is reduced, and an operation mistake in which adifferent character is inputted due to miscalculation of the number ofpushing the input box does not occur.

In the electronic device of the first embodiment, character input boxescan be reduced by using character input boxes with a differentconfiguration. For example, in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, character input canbe performed by using only area consisting of character input box withfive rows and five columns without arranging character input boxes in acolumn under “wa (

).” Or, in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, character input can be performed byusing only area consisting of character input boxes with four rows andfive columns without arranging character input boxes in a column over “a(

)” and in the column under “wa (

).”

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate examples of a method of character inputusing character input boxes with four rows and five columns. FIGS. 8A,8B, and 8C illustrate examples of a method of character input usingcharacter input boxes with six rows and three columns. FIGS. 9A, 9B, and9C illustrate examples of a method of character input using characterinput boxes with four rows and three columns. In these figures, FIGS.7A, 8A, and 9A illustrate display states before character input boxesare pushed. FIGS. 7B, 8B, and 9B illustrate display states in which thecharacter input box of “a (

)” is pushed down, and FIGS. 7C, 8C, and 9C illustrate display states inwhich the character input box of “ka (

)” is pushed down. Though relative positions of characters depends on aform of character input boxes, a basic method for deciding an inputtedcharacter is similar to the above case using the character input boxeswith six rows and five columns.

In above descriptions, the examples in which only kana characters aredisplayed in the character input boxes are disclosed. A character otherthan the kana characters may be displayed in the character input boxes.Numbers or symbols may be displayed in unused character input boxesarranged on the left side and the right side of “wa (

),” for example, and be inputted. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate anexample of a method of character input in which kana characters in “a (

)-row” and numbers “0” and “5” are displayed in character input boxeswith six rows and five columns. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the characterinput box of “0” is selected, for example, “1,” “2,” “3,” and “4” aredisplayed in adjacent character input boxes. Therefore, input of numbersis very easy. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example of a method ofcharacter input in which kana characters in “a (

)-row” and symbols are displayed in character input boxes with six rowsand five columns. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the character input box of“◯” is selected, for example, symbols, “⊚,” “□,” and the like aredisplayed in adjacent character input boxes. Therefore, input of symbolsis very easy.

As mentioned above, in the first embodiment, characters are displayed,which belong to the same “column” as the column including characters in“a (

)-row” displayed in a pushed character input box. Therefore, a user caninstantly find a character which the user intends to input. Relativedisplay positions of a character displayed in the pushed character inputbox and each character displayed in character input boxes adjacent tothe pushed character input box are fixed based on a kind of the vowel ofeach character. Therefore, character input is always performed by one ortwo standard actions, correctly. The two actions means a two-stageoperation including selection of character input box of a character in“a (

)-row,” and another selection of a character input box adjacent to theselected character input box. As mentioned above, since an operation forinputting a character is intuitive and simple, user's burden which isnewly required for learning a method of input is remarkably reduced.

Furthermore, a relative display position of a character can beoptionally set by the position relation setting unit 21. Therefore,since a display position is set according to a user's choice,operability is improved.

The first embodiment of the invention is described in detail usingdrawings as the above. Specific configurations of the invention are notlimited to the first embodiment, and an embodiment, in which designchange is performed without departing from the substance of theinvention, is included in the invention. For example, in the firstembodiment, a character is inputted by using the touch panel 11. On theother hand, an information input box can be set instead of the characterinput box, and information, for example, a menu, may be selected. Inthis case, plural pieces of information are allocated to eachinformation input box, and displayed. When any one of the informationinput boxes, in which each information is displayed, is pushed down,sub-information is displayed, which is associated with informationdisplayed in the pushed information input box, in information inputboxes adjacent to the pushed information input box. Then, in spite ofwhether or not information is already displayed in the adjacentinformation input box, information may be displayed in the adjacentinformation input box. Incidentally, something other than a character, anumber, a symbol is included in “information” above described. An inputdevice of “information” is described below as a second embodiment.

Second Embodiment

The invention can be applied to input for general information inaddition to a kana character, a number, and a symbol. FIG. 12 is a blockdiagram illustrating a configuration of an information input device of asecond embodiment of the invention. The information input deviceincludes a display unit 1, a detecting unit 2, and a control unit 3.

The display unit 1 displays a figure according to a display informationsignal 4. “Figure” is a predetermined form, for example, a character, asymbol, a character string including a character or a symbol, apictogram and the like. “Character” is characters of countries used fordescription of languages, such as, for example, Japanese kana charactersdescribed in the first embodiment, the Arabic numerals, alphabet widelyused in the whole world, and the Greek alphabet. “Symbol” is arelatively simple figure which is used in order to express predeterminedmeaning, an idea and the like, for example, ?, !, ◯, ⊚ and the like.“Pictogram” is what a drawing is simplified, and a more complicatedfigure than “symbol,” and can be used by being mixed in a sentence withcharacters or symbols. If it is not particularly necessary to treatkinds of “figure” by dividing into “character,” “symbol,” “characterstring,” “pictogram,” and the like, “character,” “symbol,” and the likeare described below as “character and the like.”

The detecting unit 2 can detect a two-dimensional position.Specifically, the detecting unit 2 detects presence or absence ofphysical contact from an outside and a contacted position (hereinafter,referred to as “contacted position”), and outputs, to the control unit3, a detection signal 5 including two-dimensional informationrepresenting the presence or absence of the contact and the contactedposition.

A position relation between the display unit 1 and the detecting unit 2is described. A first position relation is used in a case in which thedetecting unit 2 is arranged on an upper face of the display unit 1. Inthis case, the detecting unit 2 needs to be transparent so thatdisplayed contents of the display unit 1 can be seen. For example, atouch panel arranged on a liquid crystal panel corresponds to the firstposition relation. The liquid crystal panel corresponds to the displayunit 1, and the touch panel corresponds to the detecting unit 2. Asecond position relation is used in a case in which the display unit 1is arranged on an upper face of the detecting unit 2. For example, theliquid crystal panel arranged on the touch panel or a key boardcorresponds to the second position relation. Also in this case, thedisplay unit 1 is the liquid crystal panel, and the detecting unit 2 isthe touch panel or the key board. The position relation between thedisplay unit 1 and the detecting unit 2 may be applied to both casesmentioned above, and a given correspondence relation has only to beneeded, which is built between a position at which a character or thelike is displayed in a display face of the display unit 1 (hereinafter,referred to as “displayed position”) and the contacted position detectedby the detecting unit 2. If the correspondence relation is built, by thedetection signal 5 from the detecting unit 2, the displayed position ofa character which is displayed at a position on the display unit 1corresponding to the contacted position can be detected. As describedbelow, detection of the displayed position is performed by the controlunit 3.

The control unit 3 outputs, to the display unit 1, the displayinformation signal 4 to specify a character and the like displayed onthe display unit 1 and the displayed position of the characters and thelike. The display information signal 4 includes information determininga figure displayed on the display unit 1. Therefore, the displayinformation signal 4 may include image information, such as bitmapinformation, which directly expresses displayed figures, oridentification information, such as a character code, for designatingfigures. The display unit 1 displays characters or the like based on theimage information or the identification information. The displayinformation signal 4 includes information designating the displayedposition. A coordinate at which the characters or the like are displayedmay be included in the display information signal 4. If the display unit1 performs dynamic display by scanning pixels, the displayed positionmay be designated according to timing of output of informationdesignating the characters or the like in the display information signal4.

The control unit 3 receives the detection signal 5 to recognize whetheror not contact with the detecting unit 2 from an outside occurs and thecontacted position. When the contact with the detecting unit 2 occurs,the control unit 3 determines the character or the like displayed in thecontacted position based on the display information signal 4. Asmentioned above, since information designating the displayed position isincluded in the display information signal 4, the characters or the likedisplayed in the displayed position corresponding to a detected positioncan be specified with the display information signal 4 and the detectionsignal 5. Displayed contents in an area around the contacted position(hereinafter, referred to as “surrounding area of the contactedposition”) is changed based on kinds of the characters and the likedisplayed in the contacted position. Specifically, the control unit 3changes the display information signal 5 and changes characters or thelike displayed in an area of the display face of the display unit 1corresponding to the surrounding area of the contacted position.Examples of specific changed contents of the characters or the likedisplayed in the display area corresponding to the surrounding area ofthe contacted position are described below.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are plain views illustrating an example of displaystates of the display unit 1. The display face of the display unit 1 isdivided into twenty-five display blocks. In the second embodiment,displayed characters or the like are classified into nine groups.Twenty-six alphabetical characters are grouped by five characters from“a” in order, and divided into six groups as a whole. Symbols andcharacter strings are classified into three groups. In an initial state,all nine kinds of characters and the like are displayed, which includesix characters, “a,” “f,” “k,” and the like, in the twenty-fivealphabetical characters, symbols, “?” and “@” and a character string,“http://.” Since these characters and the like typify characters,symbols, and character strings which belong to a certain group, thesecharacters and the like are described below as “typifying character.”The display blocks need not to be orderly arranged in a grid-like form,as shown in FIG. 13A, but has only to be divided so that any one ofcharacters or the like is selected and contact therewith is determined.

When a user brings a finger, or a pen for contact, like a stylus pen,and the like into contact with the display block of “a” in FIG. 13A,four characters, “b,” “c,” “d,” and “e” are displayed in four displayblocks which are located on the lower side, the left side, the upperside and the right side of “a,” respectively, as shown in FIG. 13B.Similarly when the display block of “?” is touched, four symbols, “(”,“)”, “.” and “,” are displayed in four display blocks which are locatedon the left side, the right side, the upper side and the lower side of“?” respectively, as shown in FIG. 13C. When the display block of “@” istouched, symbols, “_”, “:” and character strings “.com”, “.co” aredisplayed in four display blocks which are located on the left side, theupper side, the right side and the lower side of “@” respectively, asshown in FIG. 13D. When the display block of “http://” is touched, fourcharacter strings, “www.”, “.jp/”, “.co” and “.com/” are displayed infour display blocks which are located on the lower side, the left side,the upper side and the right side of “http://” respectively, as shown inFIG. 13E. Kinds of the characters and arrangements thereof and the likein FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E are examples thereof.

Thus, when a user makes contacts with a display block of a typifyingcharacter, characters belonging to the same group are displayed as acandidate for selection in display blocks surrounding the display blockof a typifying character. Characters displayed around the typifyingcharacter are described as “nominated character.” Alphabet, a number, asymbol, a character string, a pictogram or the like may be mixed in thetypifying character and the nominated character.

A user moves a contacted position, which is a position which the userbrings a finger or the like into contact with, to a display block of anominated character which the user selects, while bringing the finger orthe like into contact with the detecting unit 2, and separates thefinger or the like from the detecting unit 2. Then, a characterdisplayed in a display block, which the finger or the like comes incontact with just before the user separates the finger or the like, isadopted as an inputted character. When the user separates the fingerwithout moving the finger while bringing the finger or the like intocontact with the display block of a typifying character, the typifyingcharacter is adopted as an inputted character.

It is desirable that a display block of a nominated character isdefinitely discriminated from other display blocks. Therefore, displaystate of the nominated character or the adjacent to the nominatedcharacter may be changed. In FIGS. 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E, boxes of thedisplay blocks of selected typifying characters and nominated characterswhich are selected are displayed relatively thick. In FIGS. 14A, 14B,14C and 14D, other examples in which a display state around a nominatedcharacter is changed are illustrated. Change of a displayed color orcolor density of the selected typifying character and the nominatedcharacters (FIG. 14A), change of sizes of the selected typifyingcharacter and the nominated characters (FIG. 14B), or change of a shapeof the display blocks of the nominated characters (FIGS. 14C and 14D)may be performed. Or, like the first embodiment, only the selectedtypifying character and the nominated characters may be displayed.

Instead of using available display blocks as shown in FIG. 13B, or FIGS.14A, 14B, 14C and 14D, there is a method of display in which new displayblocks for display of selected characters, that is, “nominated characterdisplaying block” are displayed on a display of a typifying character inan overlapped manner. The selected typifying character and the nominatedcharacters are displayed in the nominated character displaying blocks.The nominated character displaying blocks is displayed on a display ofthe original typifying character in an overlapped manner. FIG. 15Aillustrates a display example in which seven characters of typifyingcharacters of alphabet, a symbol and a character string are arranged ina display block with three rows and three columns. FIGS. 15B, 15C, 15Dand 15E illustrate display examples of the nominated characterdisplaying blocks in which “a” or “f” is selected. That is, thenominated character displaying blocks in a cross shape or a round shapeare displayed on the typifying character in an overlapped manner.

The control unit 3 of the second embodiment may control an operation byprogram processing. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit3 includes a CPU 6 and a storage unit 7. The CPU 6 controls an operationof the control unit 3 according to a program stored in the storage unit7.

FIG. 17 is an example of a flowchart of a program which the CPU 3executes to control the control unit 3. Initially, the CPU 3 displays atypifying character in each display block (step S1). Next, the CPU 3monitors the detection signal 5 and monitors presence or absence ofcontact with the detecting unit 2 (step S2). Detecting the contact withthe detecting unit 2, the CPU 3 detects a contacted position based onthe detection signal 5, and determines “contacted block” which is adisplay block including the contacted position (step S3). The CPU 3determines a typifying character displayed in the contacted block (stepS4). The CPU 3 displays a nominated character in “surrounding block ofthe contacted block” which is a display block around the contacted block(step S5). Specifically, the CPU 3 changes contents of displayinformation signal 4 and changes the typifying character displayed inthe surrounding block of the contacted block into the nominatedcharacter. Next, the CPU 3 repeats determination of the contacted block(step S6) and monitoring presence or absence of the contact with thedetecting unit 2 (step S7). When the contact with the detecting unit 2is not detected, the CPU 3 decides a character displayed in thecontacted block as an inputted character (step S8).

FIG. 18 is a modified example of the flowchart of the program which theCPU 3 executes to control the control unit 3. In the modified example ofFIG. 18, after selecting the typifying character, a user temporarilystops contacting with the detecting unit 3, and the user contacts withthe nominated character again, after the nominated character isdisplayed. The steps S1 to S5 are the same as the case of FIG. 17.Displaying the nominated character in the surrounding block of thecontacted block (step S5), the CPU 3 monitors absence of the contactwith the detecting unit 2 (step S9). When detecting absence of thecontact with the detecting unit 2, and detecting presence of the contacttherewith again (step S10: Yes), the CPU 3 determines the contactedblock (step S6). After that, the CPU 3 decides a character which wasdisplayed in the contacted block as an inputted character (step S8).

The information input device of the second embodiment may be used as aninformation input unit to which information is inputted from an outside,in electronic device requiring an information input function. FIG. 19illustrates a block diagram of electronic device in which theinformation input device of the second embodiment is used as aninformation input unit. In the electronic device, information on aninputted character is transmitted from the control unit 3 included in aninformation input unit 8 to an electronic device control unit 9controlling the electronic device.

Incidentally, there is no need to use a display arranged on a touchpanel and on a rear face of the touch panel for input and display of acharacter. For example, a normal switch array which detects an input bybeing pushed, that is, a keyboard and the like may be used. In thiscase, it is necessary to arrange a display unit above each switch (key).Display contents of the display unit have only to be changed just likethe method using the touch panel mentioned above.

As described above, in the information input device of the secondembodiment, only the typifying character is displayed in the displayunit 1 in an initial state, and when the typifying character isselected, the nominated character is displayed therearound. Whenselection of the typifying character shifts to selection of thenominated character, a contacted position on the detecting unit 2 hasonly to be shifted. Therefore, an input operation for a character can beefficiently performed.

Since the nominated character is displayed after the typifying characteris selected, input for many characters can be advantageously handledeven though the number of the display blocks is small.

Further, kana characters, alphabet, a number, a character string, asymbol and the like can be mixed in the typifying character. Even asentence in which kinds of characters and the like are mixed can beinputted efficiently.

Third Embodiment

In an information input device of a third embodiment, all nominatedcharacters are not displayed, but only nominated character to bedisplayed in a display position at the time is displayed, when a usermoves a contacted position. It is assumed that when a typifyingcharacter is displayed as shown in FIG. 13A, a user moves the contactedposition to the left, after selecting the typifying character “a,” forexample. Then, the nominated character “c” is displayed in a displayblock on the left side of “a” (FIG. 20A). In contrast, if a user movesthe contacted position to the right after selecting the typifyingcharacter “a,” the nominated character “e” is displayed in a displayblock on the left side of “a” (FIG. 20B). FIGS. 20C and 20D are displayexamples which are displayed when only the selected typifying characterand the nominated character corresponding to the contacted position aredisplayed. As described above, an operation may be performed, in whichaccording to the contacted position, the nominated charactercorresponding thereto is displayed.

A configuration of the third embodiment is the same as the configurationshown in FIG. 16 of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is an example of aflowchart of a program which the CPU 3 executes when performing displaycontrol of FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D. The steps S1 to S2 are the sameas the case of FIG. 17. Detecting contact with the detecting unit 2, theCPU 3 determines a contacted block (step S3), and displays a nominatedcharacter corresponding to the contacted block (step S11). That is, theCPU 3 displays a character in only the contacted block which iscontacted at the time. If the contacted block is a display block aroundthe typifying character (the surrounding area of the contacted block),the CPU 3 displays a nominated character corresponding to the contactedblock. The CPU 3 repeats monitoring absence of the contact with thedetecting unit 2 (step S7). The CPU 3 repeats operations, steps S3, S11and S7. When the contact with the detecting unit 2 disappears, the CPU 3decides the character which was displayed in a contacted position as aninputted character (step S8).

FIG. 22 is an example of a flowchart of a program which the CPU 3executes when display of the nominated character is skipped in themethod of control shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 22 is what display of thenominated character corresponding to the contacted block (step S11) isskipped in the method of control shown in FIG. 21. When contact with thedetecting unit 2 disappears, the CPU 3 decides a character correspondingto the contacted block as an inputted character (step S12). In thiscase, if the contacted area lies in the surrounding area of thecontacted block, a character allocated in the surrounding area isinputted.

In the information input method shown in FIG. 22, it is necessary tonote that the inputted character is not decided by detecting a movingdirection of the contacted position within the contacted area, but thecharacter allocated to the surrounding area of the contacted block isinputted when contact occurs in the surrounding area. The informationinput method is a control method which is applicable to a case in whicha user completely memorizes the position where the nominated characteris displayed. The inputted character can be confirmed in a screen inwhich a character is inputted, for example, an editing screen and thelike.

As described above, in the information input device of the thirdembodiment, only required nominated character is displayed, or displayof the nominated character is skipped if display of the nominatedcharacter is not required. Since unnecessary display is not performed,change frequency of a display screen becomes decreased. Therefore, auser is not bothered with frequent change of the display screen. Theinformation input device of the third embodiment is effective, inparticular, when a user has been skillful at information input.

Fourth Embodiment

An alphabet includes a character kind related to one certain character,a character string and the like, for example, a character size, e.g. acapital letter and a small letter, a word consisting of a plurality ofcharacters, a combination of specific characters which frequentlyappears, and the like. The character kind related to one certaincharacter, the character string and the like are described below as“derivative character.” An information input device of a fourthembodiment can efficiently perform input of the derivative character.Since a configuration and a method of deciding an inputted character inthe information input device of the fourth embodiment is the same as thesecond or the third embodiment, only characteristics of displayedcontents of a display unit are described below.

FIG. 23A illustrates a display example of a character and the like inthe information input device of the fourth embodiment. In theinformation input device of the fourth embodiment, the display unitincludes display blocks with five rows and five columns, an alphabet isgrouped by four characters from “a” in order and “a,” “d,” “g,” and thelike are displayed as typifying characters. FIG. 23B illustrates adisplay example which is shown when the typifying character “a” isselected. When “a” is selected, a total of eight kinds of characters,small letters “b” and “c,” capital letters “A,” “B” and “C,” frequentlyused character strings or words in which an initial character is “a,”that is, “ar,” “at,” and “and” are displayed as nominated characters.Also when “s” is selected, a total of eight kinds of characters, smallletters “t” and “u,” capital letters “S,” “T” and “U,” frequently usedcharacter strings in which initial characters are “s,” “t,” and “u,”that is, “sh,” “th,” and “ur” are also displayed as nominatedcharacters. FIG. 23C illustrates a display example in the case that thetypifying character “a” is selected. Regarding a character string as anominated character, contents thereof can be optionally changedaccording to frequency in use. In this case, after statistics of usefrequency of a given character string is collected by using the controlunit 3, a character string as a nominated character may be changedaccording to the result thereof.

FIG. 24 illustrates a display example in the case a word, an initialcharacter of which is a typifying character, is displayed as a nominatedcharacter. In this case, there is a method in which switch betweendisplay of the nominated character consisting of one character anddisplay of the word is discriminated according to a length of time forpushing a display block of the typifying character. That is, when astate in which “a” is selected continues by continuing to push thedisplay block of “a,” four words each having the initial character “a”are displayed on the upper side, the lower side, the left side and theright side of the display block of “a,” respectively. Or, a modeswitching key and the like for switching between a single characterinput state and a word input state may be added. When a single characterhas to be inputted, that is, when a desired word, a desired characterstring and the like are not found in the nominated characters, a singlecharacter can be inputted by releasing a push while the typifyingcharacter displayed in a center position or a selected character istouched.

Incidentally, in FIG. 24, since a word with many characters is thenominated character, a display block size is optionally changed. Asdescribed above, since the display block size has only to be large sothat the selected character and the like can be recognized, thenominated character need not to have the same size and be arrangedorderly as the examples of displays shown so far. The nominatedcharacter display blocks shown in FIGS. 15B, 15C, 15D and 15E areexamples in which display blocks in different shapes and with differentareas are mixed. As described above, even if display blocks in differentshapes and with different areas are mixed, the display block selected bybeing contacted is determined without problems, since a contactedposition can be determined based on the detecting signal 5 from thedetecting unit 2.

As a method for deciding the typifying character and the nominatedcharacter as an inputted character is the same as the second embodiment,regarding the fourth embodiment, only displayed contents thereof aredescribed, and descriptions on detailed operations thereof are skipped.

As described above, in the information input device of the fourthembodiment, there is an advantage that a sentence, in which a capitalletter and a small letter are mixed, a word frequently used and acombination of specific characters are included, can be easily inputted.

Fifth Embodiment

In an information input device of a fifth embodiment, a nominatedcharacter can become a typifying character of further differentnominated characters. When a character is accompanied by various kindsof accompanying characters, or when various kinds of character stringsare displayed as the nominated character, a sentence can be veryefficiently inputted by dealing with the nominated character as atypifying character of further different nominated characters. Aconfiguration and a method of deciding an inputted character of theinformation input device of the fifth embodiment is the same as thesecond or the third embodiment. Therefore, only characteristics ofdisplayed contents of a display unit are described below.

FIGS. 25B, 25C illustrate display examples in the case a nominatedcharacter becomes a typifying character of further different nominatedcharacters. In the embodiment, “b” is a typifying character of fourwords, and “c” is a typifying character of four nominated charactersconsisting of a capital letter and character strings. If the typifyingcharacter “a” is selected in an initial state of FIG. 13A, fournominated characters “b,” “c,” “d,” and “e” each belonging to the samegroup as “a” are displayed. If “b” is selected, four words are displayedaround “b.” Similarly, if “c” is also selected, four nominatedcharacters consisting of a capital letter and character strings aredisplayed around “c.”

Forty-six Japanese kana characters include a character having anaccompanying character, for example, a character representing a voicedconsonant of the character, small “tsu” representing a double consonantand the like, or a character string in which small characters are usedin combination. Such various displays may be included as a nominatedcharacter. FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D illustrate display examples inwhich “

(hereinafter referred to as “ga”)” which is a derivative character of“ka (

),” and “

(hereinafter referred to as “kya”)” and “

(hereinafter referred to as “gya”)” which are derivative expressions of“ka (

)” are added to a nominated character, “ka (

).” When “ka (

)” is initially selected, four characters of “ka (

)”-column other than “ka (

)” and “ga (

)” are displayed as nominated characters as shown in FIG. 26A. Further,“ga (

)” “kya (

)” and “gya (

)” are typifying characters. Therefore, if “ga (

),” “kya (

)” or “gya (

)” are selected, nominated characters, which these characters aretypifying characters of, are displayed on the upper, lower, left andright sides in display blocks. When “ga (

)” is selected, other four characters of “ga (

)”-column are displayed as nominated characters of “ga (

)” as shown in FIG. 26B. When “kya (

)” is selected, nominated characters derived from “kya (

)” are displayed as shown in FIG. 26C. When “gya (

)” is selected, nominated characters derived from “gya (

)” are displayed as shown in FIG. 26D. FIG. 26E illustrates a displayexample in which a small “

(hereinafter referred to as “tsu,” “

”)” is added to nominated characters of “ta (

)-column.” As mentioned above, a group of a typifying character caninclude characters which have a predetermined relation with thetypifying character. Further, a nominated character can be a typifyingcharacter of different characters.

In the above descriptions, Japanese kana character is exemplified, andan input method including derivative characters, for example, charactersrepresenting a voiced consonant, a double consonant and the like.Characters expressing a voiced consonant and a double consonant areinherent in Japanese, but the input method above described is notlimited to input of Japanese character. Even if characters are those ofother languages, by classifying characters into groups and defining atypifying character and a nominated character, a character input methoddescribed above can be applied.

As mentioned above, in the fifth embodiment, a nominated character canbecome a typifying character of different nominated characters.Therefore, even if the number of the typifying characters which isdisplayed in an initial state is limited, input of many characters canbe efficiently performed if selecting operations are continuouslycarried out and nominated characters are changed in order.

Incidentally, the second embodiment through the fifth embodiment can becombined. For example, when the second and the third embodiments arecombined, a method of deciding an inputted character and presence orabsence of limitation of displayed nominated characters can be selectedby switching modes of an information input device. Or, when the fourthand the fifth embodiments are combined, various characters, characterstrings, symbols and the like can be mixed as a typifying character or anominated character. Further different kinds of combinations areavailable.

Sixth Through Eighth Embodiments

An electronic device of a sixth embodiment of the invention includes atouch panel for character input and inputted character deciding means.The touch panel is divided into predetermined character input boxes.Each character of “a (

)-row” in forty-six Japanese kana characters is allocated into each ofpredetermined character input boxes and is displayed. When any one ofthe character input boxes in which each character of “a (

)-row” is displayed is pushed, other characters of the “column,” inwhich a character displayed in the pushed character input box isincluded, are displayed in character input boxes adjacent to the pushedcharacter input box, in spite of presence or absence of a characterwhich is already displayed. When a push is released after the characterinput box is pushed, the inputted character deciding means decides, asan inputted character, a character which is displayed in the characterinput box which had been pushed just before the release.

The inputted character deciding means may fix a relative positionrelation of each character displayed in a character input box adjacentto the character input box to a character displayed in the pushedcharacter input box according to a kind of a vowel of each character,and display each character displayed in the character input box.

The inputted character deciding means can fix a relative positionrelation of each character displayed in character input boxes adjacentto the upper side, the lower side, the left side, the right side of thecharacter input box to a character displayed in the pushed characterinput box according to a kind of a vowel of each character, and displayeach character displayed in the character input boxes.

The inputted character deciding means can fix a relative positionrelation of each character displayed in character input boxes adjacentto the upper left side, the lower left side, the upper right side, thelower right side of the character input box to a character displayed inthe pushed character input box according to a kind of a vowel of eachcharacter, and display each character displayed in the character inputboxes.

The inputted character deciding means may include a position relationsetting unit for optionally setting a relative position relation betweena character displayed in the pushed character input box and eachcharacter displayed in a character input box adjacent to the characterinput box according to a kind of a vowel of each character.

A seventh embodiment of the invention is electronic device including atouch panel for information input which is separated by a predeterminednumber of information input boxes. The electronic device includesinputted information deciding means which allocate plural pieces ofinformation into predetermined information input boxes and display them,display sub information associating with information displayed in apushed information input box in an information input box adjacent to thepushed information input box, in spite of presence or absence of alreadydisplayed information, when any one of information input boxes in whicheach information is displayed is pushed, and decide, when a push isreleased after the push, as inputted information, information or subinformation which are displayed in the information input box pushed justbefore release of the push.

An eighth embodiment of the invention is information input method whichis used in electronic device including a touch panel for informationinput which is separated by a predetermined number of information inputboxes. In the information input method, plural pieces of information areallocated into predetermined information input boxes and are displayed,sub information associating with information displayed in a pushedinformation input box is displayed in an information input box adjacentto the pushed information input box, in spite of presence or absence ofalready displayed information, when any one of information input boxesin which each information is displayed is pushed, and information or subinformation which are displayed in the information input box pushed justbefore release of the push is decided, as inputted information, when thepush is released after the push.

In the kana character input device described in Patent document 1, onecharacter is selected according to a selecting operation of keys andmoving directions from front to back and from side to side of anoperation point or an operation force after the selection. In the fifthand the sixth embodiment, detection of the moving directions from frontto back and from side to side of the operation point or the operationforce is not performed. Therefore, the sixth to the eighth embodimentsdiffer from the character input device of Patent document 1 inconfiguration and in processing method.

In the method for inputting kana character described in Patent document2, by touching one character in displayed characters which line uplongitudinally including one character in the transverse line, thetouched one character is inputted. In the fifth and the sixthembodiment, displayed characters which line up longitudinally includingone character in the transverse line are not shown. Therefore, the sixthto the eighth embodiments differ from the method for inputting kanacharacter of Patent document 2 in configuration and in processingmethod.

In the character input device described in Patent document 3, directiondetecting of selection operation on hiragana input keys is carried out,and a character is inputted. In the fifth and the sixth embodiment, thedirection detecting of selection operation is not carried out.Therefore, the sixth to the eighth embodiments differ from the methodfor inputting kana character of Patent document 3 in configuration andin processing method.

In the method for inputting a character described in Patent document 4,signals corresponding to five characters which are inputted by eachnumerical keypad and include a character of “a (

)-row” inputted from a front face, and characters of “i (

)-row,” “u (

)-row,” “e (

)-row” and “o (

)-row” inputted from upper, lower, left and right directions,respectively, are outputted. In the fifth and the sixth embodiment,character selection corresponding to inputted directions is notperformed. Therefore, the sixth to the eighth embodiments differ fromthe method for inputting a character of Patent document 4 inconfiguration and in processing method.

In the method for inputting a character described in Patent document 5,a character typifying the “column” is initially selected, all charactersin the column are displayed transversely or longitudinally, and then acharacter is selected in characters displayed in line. In the fifth andthe sixth embodiment, display in line transversely or longitudinally isnot performed. Therefore, the sixth to the eighth embodiments differfrom the method for inputting a character of Patent document 5 inconfiguration and in processing method.

In the sixth through the eighth embodiments, for example, the followingadvantages are obtained. That is, plural pieces of information areallocated to each information input box and are displayed, by inputtedinformation deciding means. Sub information associating with informationdisplayed in a pushed information input box is displayed in aninformation input box adjacent to the pushed information input box, inspite of presence or absence of already displayed information, when anyone of the information input boxes in which each of information isdisplayed is pushed. Furthermore, when the push is released after thepush, information or sub information which is displayed in theinformation input box pushed just before the release is decided, asinputted information. Therefore, in only small area consisting of theinformation input box which is pushed on ahead and the adjacentinformation input boxes, information input can be correctly performed.

The invention can be applied to electronic device having a touch panelfor inputting information and a character or a keyboard, in addition toa mobile phone, a PDA and the like. The invention is particularlyeffective for mobile device in which a size of a character display unitand an inputted character is limited, and the like.

While having described an invention of the present application referringto the embodiments, the invention of the present application is notlimited to the above mentioned embodiments. It is to be understood thatto the configurations and details of the invention of the presentapplication, various changes can be made within the scope of theinvention of the present application by those skilled in the art.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2008-003393 filed on Jan. 10, 2008, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal device comprising: a displaywith a touch panel configured to detect a touch on the touch panel; acontroller comprising at least one processor and a computer-readablememory storing program instructions that when executed by the at leastone processor, cause the at least one processor to: display a pluralityof first characters and a plurality of second characters on the display,each of the plurality of first characters being associated with two ormore of the plurality of second characters and each of the two or moreof the plurality of second characters being a different kind of vowelfrom each other; display the plurality of first characters in aplurality of first regions of the display by allocating each of theplurality of first characters on a one by one basis in the plurality offirst regions; in response to detecting touch on one of the plurality offirst regions in which one of the first characters is displayed, selectthe first character displayed in the one of the plurality of firstregions and display two or more second characters associated with thefirst character in two or more of upper, lower, right, and left regionsadjacent to the one of the plurality of first regions respectively, eachof the two or more second characters being allocated in the two or moreof upper, lower, right, and left regions in accordance with the kinds ofvowels of the two or more second characters; and when one of two or moresecond characters is displayed in one of the two or more of the upper,lower, right, and left regions, display on the display the one of thetwo or more second characters without displaying one of the plurality offirst characters other than the selected first character.
 2. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:detect a change of position of the touch and when a change of positionof the touch from the one of the plurality of the first regions to oneof the upper, lower, right, and left regions is detected, change thedesignation from the first character to one of the two or more secondcharacters during the detecting the touch; and in response to detectinga release of the touch to the touch panel, input the one of the two ormore second characters which is designated at a time of the release. 3.The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the pluralityof first characters comprise Japanese characters “a (

)”, “ka (

)”, “sa (

)”, “ta (

)”, “na (

)”, “ha (

)”, “ma (

)”, “ya (

)”, and “ra (

)”.
 4. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein thecharacters of “a (

)”, “ka (

)”, and “sa (

)” are displayed along an upper row in a plurality of first regions; thecharacters of “ta (

)”, “na (

)”, and “ha (

)” are displayed along a middle row located below the upper row; thecharacters of “ma (

)”, “ya (

)”, and “ra (

)” are displayed along a lower row located below the meddle row.
 5. Themobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the different kindof vowel is one of “i”, “u”, “e”, and “o”.
 6. The mobile terminal deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured toallocate one of the two or more of second character in one of the two ormore of upper, lower, right, and left regions based on a positionalrelationship between the one of the plurality of first regions and akind of vowel corresponding to the one of one of the two or more ofsecond character.
 7. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1,wherein one of the two or more second characters having the “i” vowel isallocated in the left region.
 8. The mobile terminal device according toclaim 1, wherein one of the two or more second characters having the “i”vowel is allocated in one of the upper, lower, right, and left regionsin a first direction from the selected first character, and wherein oneof the two or more second characters having the “u” vowel is allocatedin another of the upper, lower, right, and left regions in a seconddirection from the selected first character, the second direction beingperpendicular to the first direction.
 9. The mobile terminal deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the positional relationship is fixed. 10.The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein when the one oftwo or more second characters is displayed in the one of the two or moreof the upper, lower, right, and left regions, replacing one of theplurality of first characters in the one of the two or more of theupper, lower, right, and left regions with the one of two or more secondcharacters.
 11. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, whereinthe one of the two or more second characters is overlaid on the one ofthe plurality of first characters in the one of the two or more of theupper, lower, right, and left regions.
 12. The mobile terminal deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of firstcharacters other than the selected first character is a characterdisplayed on one of the upper, lower, right, and left regions.